Chapter Four: Zhao San's Schemes

Leng Tian smiled silently, sitting cross-legged in meditation, calming his mind and channeling his profound energy to quietly cultivate. The three members of Flame Dragon, seeing this, also sat cross-legged in silence, focusing on their own cultivation.

Hundreds of vehicles formed a mighty caravan, rolling along the official road, leaving Wind Shadow City behind as nothing more than a distant speck.

Inside one of the carriages, Huo Wu and Xiao Ke sat side by side on one side, facing a young girl and a young boy. The four were chatting happily.

The girl, named Ye Die’er, was Ye Xiang’s eldest daughter, and the boy, Ye Fan, his second son. This time, both followed their father on a journey to Skylark Country to visit their grandmother.

“Sister Wu, your mercenary group only has six members—who’s the leader?” Ye Die’er, curious about this six-person mercenary band, asked Huo Wu eagerly.

Huo Wu, having initially harbored some reservations toward this wealthy heiress a few years younger than herself, soon realized through conversation that Ye Die’er was not the pampered girl she imagined, but rather approachable and friendly.

This made Huo Wu quite happy—at least the journey wouldn’t be dull.

“My brother is the leader. Don’t be fooled by our small numbers; all six of us are celestial-level experts!” Xiao Ke, who was about the same age as Ye Die’er, bursting with youthful energy, was quick to boast before Huo Wu could reply.

“All celestial-level? That’s insane!” Ye Fan nearly jumped up, staring at Xiao Ke in disbelief, as though searching her face for any hint of truth.

“Hey! Is it polite to stare at a girl like that?” Xiao Ke retorted, feisty as ever, scolding Ye Fan for his lack of manners.

“Xiao Ke, do not be rude to Young Master Ye,” Huo Wu interjected, stopping Xiao Ke from saying anything further.

Ye Die’er giggled, covering her mouth, then shot her brother a glare. “Sister Wu, is it true? Are you all celestial-level warriors?”

Huo Wu, helpless, glared at Xiao Ke as well. Xiao Ke realized her mistake, sticking out her tongue sheepishly. Leng Tian had cautioned her before departure not to reveal their cultivation levels to outsiders, lest jealousy and trouble arise.

Yet in just a brief moment, Xiao Ke had let slip their secret. Huo Wu could only answer honestly, “Yes, except for Xiao Ke, the other five—including myself—are celestial-level warriors.”

“Wow! You’re amazing, Sister!” Ye Die’er exclaimed.

Huo Wu smiled modestly, thinking to herself, “If they knew my brother’s cultivation rivals the Profound Realm, would they go mad?”

Ye Fan’s eyes darted mischievously, plotting something unknown, but Xiao Ke kept a close watch on him, inwardly amused by his expressions.

Outside, “Chief, should we teach those kids a lesson? They dare to compete with us for business. Don’t they know the reputation of our Wild Dragon Mercenary Group?” A wiry, sharp-eyed warrior rode alongside Wild Dragon, quietly suggesting they give Leng Tian’s group a taste of their power.

Wild Dragon’s face, thick with scars and muscle, twisted into a cold smile. “Fine, I’ll leave it to you. When we reach the resting place, wait until the dead of night to teach them a lesson. No killing, understand?”

The long caravan moved slowly along the official road under the blazing noon sun. Even the sturdy horses drooped their heads, weary from the heat.

Leng Tian continued his cultivation; the river of true energy in his dantian, strengthened by days of diligent practice and several drops of spiritual milk, had tra